Millions of people suffer from severe addictions to drugs and alcohol. Universities around the world focus on treating and understanding these addictions through research and treatment centers.
Researchers at Brown University in Rhode Island in the United States, at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies and through a national grant, are studying the health effects of drinking among people with HIV. The Brown Alcohol Research Center on HIV is organized to conduct research to better understand the neurophysiological and behavioral aspects of HIV and alcohol.
Rehab for Alcohol Focus of Some University Research, Treatment Centers
In Canada, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is the country’s largest mental health and addictions research facility in Canada. Research grants and funds for special programs are received from the University of Toronto, foundations and other granting and funding bodies.
Its scientists, research staff and student work to improve knowledge of mental illness and substance use disorders and improve diagnosis, prevention, intervention, treatment and public policy initiatives.
For example, CAMH produces policy positions to influence decision-makers such as government and regulators about the availability of substances and treatment issues. The association, for example, advocated against the privatization of retail alcohol sales in the Canadian province of Ontario because of the health and social costs related to increased alcohol access.
Alcohol Rehabilitation, University Research and Training
At Rutgers University in New Jersey, U.S., the Center for Alcohol Studies is known nationally and internationally as a leader in alcohol research, education and training. Faculty specialize in sociology, psychology, neuroscience, physiology, genetics, neuropharmacology, statistics, counseling, education, and information sciences.
For example, The Rutgers Alliance for Sustainable Risk Reduction brings together members of the university and neighborhood to reduce alcohol use among 18 to 25-year-olds. This initiative supports campus cultures that view dangerous drinking and drug use as unacceptable.
The Rutgers Center also houses a Drug-Crime Research Laboratory involving longitudinal research on the associations between substance use and crime. This research is following a group of people from childhood to explore heavy drinking and violence.
Rehabilitation, Addition Centers Often Affiliated with Universities
At Indiana University, the Indiana Alcohol Research Center studies the genetic basis of addiction. The Center is deeply involved in the education of medical students, residents and fellows, social workers, and members of the justice system.
North American universities focus on prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug problems. Their research makes a difference by providing well-studied, supports treatment options and provides clues to reduce these crippling addictions.
Shelley Aylesworth-Spink - Shelley Aylesworth-Spink has worked in support of communications, marketing and advertising for nearly 25 years in the private and public ...
